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What classes should you be taking in high school or college for STEM related jobs?
I want to know if I meet the requirements
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Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
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Fahad Elahi’s Answer
Getting ready for STEM jobs in fields like software development, engineering, and data science can be exciting and rewarding. Start by focusing on math, science, and problem-solving skills. These are key subjects that many experts and guides recommend for a strong foundation.
STEM careers are diverse, so your focus might vary depending on your interest, whether it's computer science, biomedical, or mechanical engineering. However, the core subjects are similar, and many competitive colleges look for these in applicants.
Here's a simple guide to help you prepare:
High School Recommendations:
- Math: Aim for four years, including Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Advanced classes like AP Calculus can give you a great start for college.
- Science: Take at least three to four years of lab sciences. Start with Biology, then Chemistry, and Physics. These subjects build critical thinking skills.
- Technology/Computer Classes: Courses in computer science or programming are especially helpful for tech jobs. Try AP Computer Science or electives in robotics and coding.
Additional Tips:
- Advanced electives like AP or IB versions of these subjects can boost your skills.
- Good English and communication skills are important for writing reports and working in teams.
Sample High School Plan:
- Freshman Year: Algebra I/II and Biology
- Sophomore Year: Geometry and Chemistry
- Junior Year: Algebra II/Pre-Calculus and Physics
- Senior Year: Calculus and AP Computer Science or advanced science
This path sets you up well for college STEM majors and future jobs in high-demand areas like software development and engineering.
College-Level Classes:
In college, you'll build on your high school knowledge. Expect courses in advanced math, programming, and specialized subjects related to your major. These classes prepare you for a variety of STEM careers.
Meeting Requirements:
Most STEM jobs require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. High school classes help you get into college and succeed in your major. If you're currently in high school, check your schedule against the recommended subjects. If there are gaps, you can catch up in college.
Remember, taking challenging courses and earning good grades can open doors to top colleges and exciting job opportunities. Keep learning and exploring, and you'll be well-prepared for a successful career in STEM!
STEM careers are diverse, so your focus might vary depending on your interest, whether it's computer science, biomedical, or mechanical engineering. However, the core subjects are similar, and many competitive colleges look for these in applicants.
Here's a simple guide to help you prepare:
High School Recommendations:
- Math: Aim for four years, including Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Advanced classes like AP Calculus can give you a great start for college.
- Science: Take at least three to four years of lab sciences. Start with Biology, then Chemistry, and Physics. These subjects build critical thinking skills.
- Technology/Computer Classes: Courses in computer science or programming are especially helpful for tech jobs. Try AP Computer Science or electives in robotics and coding.
Additional Tips:
- Advanced electives like AP or IB versions of these subjects can boost your skills.
- Good English and communication skills are important for writing reports and working in teams.
Sample High School Plan:
- Freshman Year: Algebra I/II and Biology
- Sophomore Year: Geometry and Chemistry
- Junior Year: Algebra II/Pre-Calculus and Physics
- Senior Year: Calculus and AP Computer Science or advanced science
This path sets you up well for college STEM majors and future jobs in high-demand areas like software development and engineering.
College-Level Classes:
In college, you'll build on your high school knowledge. Expect courses in advanced math, programming, and specialized subjects related to your major. These classes prepare you for a variety of STEM careers.
Meeting Requirements:
Most STEM jobs require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. High school classes help you get into college and succeed in your major. If you're currently in high school, check your schedule against the recommended subjects. If there are gaps, you can catch up in college.
Remember, taking challenging courses and earning good grades can open doors to top colleges and exciting job opportunities. Keep learning and exploring, and you'll be well-prepared for a successful career in STEM!
Updated
Srinivas Rao’s Answer
For most STEM‑related jobs, the key is taking strong math and science classes in high school and then continuing with core STEM subjects in college.
High school:
- Math: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre‑Calculus (and Calculus if possible).
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with labs.
- Extras: Computer science, coding, or engineering/tech electives if your school offers them.
College:
- Core STEM courses: Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, and at least one programming or computer‑science course.
- Major‑specific classes: Depending on your field (engineering, computer science, biology, etc.), you’ll add specialized theory and project‑based classes.
High school:
- Math: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre‑Calculus (and Calculus if possible).
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with labs.
- Extras: Computer science, coding, or engineering/tech electives if your school offers them.
College:
- Core STEM courses: Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, and at least one programming or computer‑science course.
- Major‑specific classes: Depending on your field (engineering, computer science, biology, etc.), you’ll add specialized theory and project‑based classes.
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
If you're aiming for STEM jobs, the classes you take now can really help set you up. In high school, focus on math and science. This usually includes algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and then biology, chemistry, and physics. If your school offers computer science or coding classes, those are a big plus. Some STEM careers also benefit from engineering or robotics classes if available.
In college, your course choices depend on the specific field you're interested in. Most STEM majors—like engineering, computer science, biology, or physics—require lots of advanced math and science courses. Computer science majors need to take programming, data structures, and algorithms. Engineering majors take a mix of math, physics, and specialized engineering classes. The key is to check the requirements for the major you want and make sure you build a strong foundation in high school to handle college courses.
Another tip is to get hands-on experience whenever possible. Join clubs like robotics, science clubs, coding groups, or attend summer STEM programs. This helps you see if you enjoy the work in a STEM career and looks good on college applications.
In college, your course choices depend on the specific field you're interested in. Most STEM majors—like engineering, computer science, biology, or physics—require lots of advanced math and science courses. Computer science majors need to take programming, data structures, and algorithms. Engineering majors take a mix of math, physics, and specialized engineering classes. The key is to check the requirements for the major you want and make sure you build a strong foundation in high school to handle college courses.
Another tip is to get hands-on experience whenever possible. Join clubs like robotics, science clubs, coding groups, or attend summer STEM programs. This helps you see if you enjoy the work in a STEM career and looks good on college applications.
Updated
Swasti’s Answer
You’ll want to focus on the “core” STEM classes and then check your own transcript against them:
Math: Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trig/Pre‑Calculus, and ideally Calculus (AP/IB if available).
Science: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, preferably as lab classes.
Tech/CS (if offered): Intro Computer Science, programming, robotics, or engineering electives.
Plus: Strong English/communication and any AP/IB versions of the above.
To see if you “meet the requirements,” compare what you’ve already taken to that list. If you’re missing something (like Physics or Calculus), it’s great to add it in high school, but you can often catch up with those courses in college as well.
You can also look at how others answered this question here:
What classes should you be taking in high school or college for STEM related jobs?
If you tell me what classes you’ve already taken, I can help you do a quick gap check.
Math: Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trig/Pre‑Calculus, and ideally Calculus (AP/IB if available).
Science: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, preferably as lab classes.
Tech/CS (if offered): Intro Computer Science, programming, robotics, or engineering electives.
Plus: Strong English/communication and any AP/IB versions of the above.
To see if you “meet the requirements,” compare what you’ve already taken to that list. If you’re missing something (like Physics or Calculus), it’s great to add it in high school, but you can often catch up with those courses in college as well.
You can also look at how others answered this question here:
What classes should you be taking in high school or college for STEM related jobs?
If you tell me what classes you’ve already taken, I can help you do a quick gap check.
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
If you're dreaming of a career in STEM, you're on an exciting path. Start by building a good base in math, science, and technology. In high school, focus on subjects like Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus, as well as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These courses help you think critically and solve problems. Joining activities like science clubs, robotics teams, or coding projects can also boost your skills and give you real-world experience.
In college, you'll dive deeper into your chosen field. If you're into engineering, you'll work with applied math and physics. Biology lovers will explore genetics and biochemistry, while math enthusiasts will tackle topics like probability. If technology excites you, you'll learn about programming and data science. Science majors will take advanced lab courses. This preparation opens doors to careers as engineers, software developers, data scientists, and more. Developing good study habits, finding mentors, and gaining hands-on experience through internships or research projects will further prepare you for success in STEM.
In college, you'll dive deeper into your chosen field. If you're into engineering, you'll work with applied math and physics. Biology lovers will explore genetics and biochemistry, while math enthusiasts will tackle topics like probability. If technology excites you, you'll learn about programming and data science. Science majors will take advanced lab courses. This preparation opens doors to careers as engineers, software developers, data scientists, and more. Developing good study habits, finding mentors, and gaining hands-on experience through internships or research projects will further prepare you for success in STEM.
Updated
Nagesh’s Answer
If you're aiming for a career in STEM, it's important to build a strong base in math and science. Start in high school with Algebra and Geometry, and then move on to Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus. These subjects will help you learn how to solve problems effectively. Exploring Physics, Chemistry, and Biology can also help you discover which STEM area you might enjoy the most.
In college, taking courses like Linear Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, and advanced sciences will make your foundation even stronger. Getting hands-on experience in computer science or programming, even in high school, is a great advantage since these skills are useful in almost every STEM field. Remember to also work on your critical thinking and communication skills, as they are key to success in any career.
In college, taking courses like Linear Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, and advanced sciences will make your foundation even stronger. Getting hands-on experience in computer science or programming, even in high school, is a great advantage since these skills are useful in almost every STEM field. Remember to also work on your critical thinking and communication skills, as they are key to success in any career.
Updated
Emmanuella’s Answer
Hi Sean, great question! In addition to what the other responders said, I will also encourage you take classes in both humanities and social sciences for a well-rounded educational experience. Consider courses like Psychology which enlightens you on human behavior or Economics which focuses on the utilization of resources. The knowledge you gain from these courses are applicable to any STEM job as you would hone your critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, and gain knowledge that helps you navigate life in general.
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Sean! Great question, and honestly STEM is such a broad field that you've got a lot of options. In high school, load up on math (algebra, calculus, statistics), science (physics, chemistry, biology), and if your school offers any computer science or engineering intro classes, take those too. From my own path, I studied Industrial Engineering in college, and it was built on a strong math and science foundation from earlier on. Once you're in college, focus on picking a major that excites you whether that's engineering, computer science, data science, AI, or something else, and then add on skills outside of class. I stacked certifications on top of my degrees, and those made a huge difference in landing roles at major tech and consulting companies. Also don't forget on business analytics and optimization courses because a lot of STEM careers today blend technical skills with business problem-solving You definitely don't need to have it all figured out right now. Just start with the core math and science classes, stay curious, explore different STEM areas, and build skills along the way. You'll figure out what clicks for you!